Unveiling determinants of household lighting preferences in rural Tanzania: insights for sustainable energy access

Abstract

This paper investigates the determinants and prospects of household lighting choices in rural Tanzania using a Multinomial Logit Regression Model. The analysis is based on data from 4671 households, focusing on three lighting options: electricity, solar energy, and candle lighting. The results reveal significant factors influencing these choices, including household head characteristics, household size, marital status, education, employment status, number of rooms, and income. Key findings indicate that the age of the household head negatively influences the likelihood of choosing grid-electricity, while having a male head of household significantly reduces the probability of opting for any lighting option. Larger household size is negatively associated with choosing electricity and candle lighting. Marital status shows that married households are more likely to use candle lighting. Employment status positively impacts the likelihood of adopting all three lighting options, with employed household heads being more likely to choose modern lighting solutions. Income levels are crucial, as higher income significantly increases the probability of selecting electricity and candle lighting, but not solar energy. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to enhance sustainable energy access in rural Tanzania. It highlights the importance of addressing socio-economic factors to promote the adoption of modern and sustainable lighting technologies.